By David Peel
Lately there is some political correctness that ridicules “toxic masculinity.”
I believe there is actually a lack of real masculinity.
And it causes problems. While it may not be a popular view among the talking heads on TV, out here in the real world, we always know what a man is.
But let’s just state what being a man is not. It is not drinking a beer, killing a deer, sleeping with a woman, leaving Mom’s house, enlisting, getting married or having children.
It is possible to do all those things and still be a large boy. True manhood is not an age thing either. I’ve met 17-year-old young men who are more men than some 47-year-old men. Manhood comes from the heart.
I Corinthians 16:13-14 warns us to
“Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love.” (NASB)
The Orthodox Jewish translation states more succinctly:
“Watch, stand firm in the faith, be men, be strong. Let everything you do be done in ahavah (agape)”
Watch: Real men are on alert for threats to those they protect. Whether it be total strangers or those within their family. Any threat must come through that man.
Stand firm in the faith: A real man is like a knight in God’s service. He serves something much greater than simply himself. A boy just chases things which are pleasurable in the moment. He thinks only of himself.
Be men: Notice that it simply tells the reader to “be men.” That assumes the reader already understands what being a man is.
Here is a real world example: If you are a beautiful girl who had too much to drink at a party, many males will take advantage of the situation—you may have no memory whatsoever of what happened. You may find yourself nude behind the dumpster, unclothed in a strange bed, or in a strange hotel room. You may find yourself on a humiliating video on the internet or pregnant with a stranger’s child. However, if a real man finds you in such shape, you will wake up fully clothed in your own bed. There may even be a big glass of water on the nightstand with a couple of aspirin. Your apartment door will have been locked securely from the outside with your keys slid back under the bottom of the door.
No woman will ever fear being loved by a real man. What they should fear, but often do not, is falling for a grown up boy who can pull off the act for a short time—- just long enough for her to become ensnared.
What do you think?
Peel seeks justice for those injured in tractor trailer and car accidents, medical malpractice, and disability. He often addresses churches, clubs and groups without charge. Peel may be reached through PeelLawFirm.com wherein other articles may be accessed.
